The result does not change the composition of the district council, with remains as 18 Conservatives, 14 Liberal Democrats, eight independents and three South Molton independents.

The 60-year-old former teacher and Yelland resident said: "I am very pleased with such a decisive result and I now look forward to representing and promoting the ward's interests."

Fellow Fremington independent, Councillor Frank Biederman, said Jayne would be 'a great asset'.

He said: "The loss of Tony was quite a shock and I am really pleased that Fremington and Yelland have returned another independent councillor and look forward to us working together for the good of all."

A Fremington Parish Council by-election following the resignation of Jacqueline Flynn, saw Joy Cann (Lib Dem) elected with 268 votes over Blake Ladley (Labour) on 64.

Joy Cann said: "I am very grateful to my neighbours in Bickington for the strong support I have received and to supporters for the help they gave me. I pledge to follow on from the stewardship my late father John gave when he was a councillor for Bickington."

About North Devon Gazette

First published in 1856 as the Bideford Gazette, the North Devon Gazette is the free newspaper and website for the region, covering a vast area from Hartland in the west to Lynton in the east and to South Molton and Holsworthy in the south.